Raging wildfires in central Chile have claimed the lives of at least 51 people, with the fires reaching the popular tourist city of Valparaiso according to Independent Uk.
Emergency services are working tirelessly to combat the flames, but President Gabriel Boric warns that the death toll could rise even further as four large fires continue to burn in the Valparaiso region.
Boric, in a televised address, urged citizens to cooperate and evacuate their homes if instructed to do so.
He expressed the severity of the situation, stating, “The fires are advancing fast, and climatic conditions have made them difficult to control. There are high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity. The situation is really very difficult.”
Over 1,100 homes have been destroyed, and thick smoke billows over Valparaiso. The coastal tourist city of Vina del Mar has been severely affected, with rescue teams struggling to reach impacted areas. President Boric emphasized the urgency of evacuations, emphasizing, “If you are told to evacuate, don’t hesitate to do it.”
Interior minister Carolina Toha reported that about 92 forest fires were burning in central and southern Chile. T
he condition of Valparaiso is described as the most delicate, making it the worst disaster faced by Chile since the 2010 earthquake.
Shelters have been set up, and helicopters and firefighters are mobilized to tackle the blaze.
The El Nino weather pattern, causing droughts and higher temperatures in western South America, has contributed to the increased risk of forest fires.
Last year, a record heatwave led to 27 deaths and over 990,000 acres affected. The current wildfires, fueled by challenging climatic conditions, pose a significant threat to lives and property in Chile.
